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Floyd Snyder

8 Years Ago

Use Face Book Groups To Expand Your Reach

Nine months ago I started 4 Facebook groups to help FAA sellers expand their reach.

There are over 3000 members in the 4 groups and everyone is welcome to join any or all of them as long as you qualify.

FineArtAmerica is for any member of FAA any kind of art.

FineArtAmerica

Western Art Buyers & Sellers is open to anyone that sells or just loves Western and Native American art.

Western Art Buyers & Sellers

Seascape Art Buyers & Sellers is open to anyone that sells or just loves seascape and nautical art.

Seascape Art Buyers 7 Sellers

eBay Buyers & Sellers for those of you that sell on eBay as well as FAA.

eBay Buyers & Sellers


There are pretty simple rules that make "THESE" groups different from FAA and other Facebook groups. First, there art not meant to be social gaters. DO NOT like and comment other people's posts. That will result in being ejected from the group. These things mean nothing in the groups as far as what we are trying to do. We are asking that every member shares their post and the some of the posts of others with your own FB page and in your other groups that you belong to.

It is as simple as that. The more sharing in more groups the more people will see yours and others people's work.

If you like some or make a comment on someone else's post, that bumps it to the top. That drives YOUR work down and makes it less likely to be seen and or get shared. So please do not do that.

Read the group guidelines and practice them and everyone will get seen by more people.

Pretty simple stuff.


Reply Order

Post Reply
 

Edward Fielding

8 Years Ago

I joined before but lost interest as the moderator become rather scolding. Social networking without comments? Not very social. Wouldn't it be natural that good work would receive more comments/likes and raise to the top?

 

Floyd Snyder

8 Years Ago

Well, Ed, you obviously didn't get the program. If you would bother to read the rules, then you would get it.

This is NOT about the average social media experience. If you can not think out side the box, you would not get it.

And for the record, I am not moderating the FineArtAmerica thread that the person that is, is doing a great job!

I stop by the other three just to add the new members and maybe browse for the spammers and ban them. Other then that, they are on autopilot.

So I don't know who scolded you, but my guess is, from your post, you were not interested in playing by the rules.

 

Joseph C Hinson

8 Years Ago

I thought the no commenting thing was silly and short sighted. It's just another way to generate word of mouth. But to each their own

 

Perhaps the no commenting had to do with people who just drop in to throw their negative garbage around. Plenty of those around who do it just for sport!

Thanks for letting us know about these groups Floyd. Looks like you're back from mandatory vacation.

 

Patricia Strand

8 Years Ago

I just clicked on the link for Western Art above. It says "Join this group to post and comment." There is no "About" page, so where are the rules?

 

Floyd Snyder

8 Years Ago

Another guy that didn't read or understand the rules or the concept. Or just didn't care to follow them.

The concept is valid. I sell every day on several different websites including FAA using the concept. So don't tell me it does not work.

If you don't get, then you don't get it. That is not my problem.

I can see by looking at both of your FB pages that you do not understand the concept of FB groups.

I don't care about how many people don't get it.

Anyone that want to read the rules and the concept and give it a try, they are welcome.

 

Floyd Snyder

8 Years Ago

Welcome Glen! :-)

 

Floyd Snyder

8 Years Ago

Patricia, I think the post and comment thing is generic and boiler plate by FB. I don't get that because I am a member already.

The rules are on the right hand side where it says DESCRIPTION.

Here's a link to one of the old threads from 9 months back. Lot discussion explaining the concept.

http://pixels.com/showmessages.php?messageid=2022265

 

Louise Reeves

8 Years Ago

Patricia: it's under "description" on the right of the page: "This group is for people that love western and Native American art. All western artists, photographers, sculptures, western art lovers, carvers, collectors and buyers are welcome!

You most diffidently post your art for sale and you can most diffidently buy something if you wish.

If you post non-western art it will more than likely be rejected. Please follow this rule so I don't have to change it to where I have to approve each post.

Please keep in mind that everyone that loves Western/Native American art is welcome to join. But only those that are actually selling W/NA art can post images. Again, please honor this rule so I do not have to approve every post.

Everyone that joins is asked and expected to allow all image posted to be displayed on your FB page. We also ask that you take the time to like, comment and share some of the other images of other sellers. And of course, we hope they will do the same for you. That is how we broaden our reach and everyone gets more exposure. "

Floyd, I assume you meant "definitely", not "diffidently"?

 

Floyd Snyder

8 Years Ago

Is that what it says? lol

Actually in the Seascape and Western groups we do allow comments and likes because they are not limited to FAA members only and they are limited to a type of art, Seascapes and Western. Plus there are fewer members because of the limited scope and the images are not a likely to get buried.

 

Patricia Strand

8 Years Ago

Got it, thanks. I like the idea of the specified groups, not because comments are allowed but because there would be fewer submissions. I already have so much on my FaceBook feed that I spend every morning scrolling and scrolling and scrolling, lol.

 

Louise Reeves

8 Years Ago

Yea, might want to correct that as diffidently means : adjective
1.
lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy.
2.
restrained or reserved in manner, conduct, etc.

LOL

 

Joseph C Hinson

8 Years Ago

Floyd,

It's really not neccesary that you talk down and belittle everyone who disagrees with you. It's called a discussion forum, after all. Try to lighten up a little. It's not a game. You don't have to win every thread

 

Floyd Snyder

8 Years Ago

Get a life Joseph... You start bitching (talking down) something you don't understand... why would you do that if not just to be negative? Go away! I am tired of you negative nellies...

 

Lisa Kaiser

8 Years Ago

Well, I like it, Floyd! Thanks for accepting me into one of the groups.

 

Louise Reeves

8 Years Ago

I can get the "no comment" rules on the pages so that it doesn't bounce images around and keeps the pages clean. But, Floyd, you gotta dial it back a notch or you'll risk the wrath of mods. There's no reason to get insulting, really.

 

Out of curiosity (not attacking here), in the Fine Art America group, how do you keep the general public from liking posts? If they do, it will drive the image up, correct? -Chris

 

Floyd Snyder

8 Years Ago

There is no public involved in the FAA group. There is nothing about the traditional ways that FB is used that really applies if the group is used correctly. We are using FB in a none traditional way to achieve more views by joining groups and encouraging everyone that share everyone else's posts to their own pages and the groups they belong to. This is not about getting views on "the" FineArtAmerica FB page, this is about getting your art seen in everyone else's groups and on everyone else's pages.

I have about 1000 friends on one of my FB pages. That is 1000 potentiel people sets of eyeballs. Everyone knows that only a small percentage of people's friends see each post. So 1000 friends is nothing. But thrould groups and sharing, I have over 3 million potential sets of eyeballs. A small percentage of a huge number is a hell of a lot more then the same small percentage of a lot smaller number. Pretty simple stuff. Now, in my case, I have four FB pages, using the same theory.

It is about huge numbers. It is not about a few dozen or a few hundred or even a few thousand likes or comments. It is about the potential of reaching a huge amount of people as in millions. It is about joining groups of people that are a best fit for your artwork and getting a number of people in those groups to share your work. In order to do that, you have to share the works of others as well.

It is just like Twitter. You can't get enough followers to really reach enough people to make decent sales. You have to build a network of followers that are a good fit for your work and then you have to build a network of people that will retweet your tweets. I only have about 900 followers on Twitter. That is nothing. But I had a network of dozens of people that retweeted my tweets. Together they had thousands and thousands of followers.

And friending and following artist on FB or Twitter is a waste of time for the most part. They ARE NOT your market. They do not buy art to any great degree.

If you sell flowers, you have to find friends and followers that like flowers. Not just other artists that paint flowers. If you sell wildlife you have to find people that like wildlife.

Again, this is pretty simple stuff. Don't over think it and make it harder then it is.

When I tell you that I can look at a FB page and see that a person did not get the concept, it is because I can see what groups they belong to. You can also see what posts they have made and or shared. If they belong to very few groups with very few total members, make few posts and share fewer, they obviously did not get the concept or they chose not to use it if they did.

 

SharaLee Art

8 Years Ago

Hi Floyd, I took a look at the FAA fb page. I saw plenty of likes, a few comments, and no shares. If the members are sharing everyone else's posts, shouldn't they be showing up under the shared count? If not and I join the group, how will I know if people are sharing my images in their groups or personal pages?

Thanks!

 

Abbie Shores

8 Years Ago

Floyd

Cut out that nastiness. You may not think you are but really, take it from me, you are!

Absolutely no need to be that rude.

 

Floyd Snyder

8 Years Ago

Look, I don't care if anyone uses the system or not. You can make out of it whatever you want.

Abbie, what's rude is never having an idea of your own on how to help people, sitting around in other threads and telling people how your life is in the crapper and you about to lose everything, complaining about not selling and then crapping all over every idea that someone else has who has figured out how to sell art.

So if that makes me rude... then do what you must do.

 

Abbie Shores

8 Years Ago

They were just giving their opinion! They honestly are allowed as long as they are not rude to you. Which they weren't.

This is to everyone. Just ignore naysayers if you wish, or explain respectfully why they are wrong, if you wish. Keep the attitude and short tempers for off the forum.

 

Heather Applegate

8 Years Ago

The FAA member group is a PUBLIC group.
If people post, like and comment on posts, depending on the person's privacy settings, those posts that they like and comment on can be seen by their friends on their newsfeeds. (yay simple marketing tool)

I personally do not share other people's posts or work on my social media pages - I've got my own marketing to do. I may like or comment on them though, which my friends would see on their newsfeed. This is how it works in a local Etsy group page I manage.

 

Edward Fielding

8 Years Ago

Social media is about being viral. A thought leader discovers something they like and they spread it around. If you want to control what people see - try advertising. You can pay to have your image/message in the spot you buy.

 

Derrick Scofield

8 Years Ago

I recently started a fan page and I would like to join groups with that page. Does anyone know if it's possible? As of now I've only been able to make that happen with my main page.

 

David Bridburg

8 Years Ago

Floyd,

I joined the FAA group about an hour ago. I understand the no comment or like thing. I keeps people moving in order
through the line up. Instead of folks gaming the system. The share thing to spread the word makes this far more interesting.
If your work is appreciated the word will spread through sharing.

I also did this to learn more about how FB groups work.

I actually dont like FB groups where everyone is talking at once. It makes no organized sense to me.

Ed SM is about going viral for only a few things per year. The odds any of us go viral are very small. If you
want to go viral you dont need Floyd's FAA FB group. But that does not mean you cant join it and hope for one sale.

One sale through all of us and our FB profile pages as we share what we like with our followings.

Or perhaps two sales........

Ed if you can get any of your work to go viral then you dont need this. Good luck finding that avenue.

Dave

 

David Bridburg

8 Years Ago

Derrick,

the fan page is only a rider to your main profile.

In the groups AS FAR AS I KNOW, which is limited, you sign up for groups as your main profile.

that I think is true for all of us.

FB has other commercial interests being the main reasoning as far as I know.

Dave

 

Edward Fielding

8 Years Ago

If you are not sharing then you are a closed loop.

 

David Bridburg

8 Years Ago

Floyd,

Do onto others as you would have them do onto you.

Or just bloody turn the other cheek man!!

Your friend Dave

 

David Bridburg

8 Years Ago

I put up one image today as per the rules.

I shared 3 images. Some of those three people will see I shared their work.

I carefully shared work I liked and chose works were from people with much larger followings
than what I have. If I am lucky they will add share my work, I will take note etc.....

Ed in principle it should morph.

Also G+ works in a similar way. G+ will never be known as it stands today
for blazing comments back and forths etc....You post on faith. And it works.

Dave

 

Floyd Snyder

8 Years Ago

Okay, I'll play nice....

Here's the thing... there are over 3000 people in the four groups that seem to be just fine with them. And there has been over 50 ask to join just since I opened this thread. They seem to be willing to give it a try.

I opened this thread because I got a pm form one of the members of one of the groups suggesting that more members with be cool and that I should mention the groups in FAA again.

I did that. It was successful... Big welcome to all the new members and good selling to you!

Sayōnara...

 

David Bridburg

8 Years Ago

Floyd,

Thanks for thinking of us,

Sincerely,

Dave

 

David Bridburg

8 Years Ago

If you are not sharing then you are a closed loop.

Ed that is true on Twitter as well. That is true in all of life,
but the human species survives.

Take what you want and leave the rest.

I added one image and shared three today.

Dave

 

Derrick Scofield

8 Years Ago

David,

I appreciate the information, thank you for that! I will be getting on later to give it a spin, hope to see you out there.

 

David Bridburg

8 Years Ago

You are welcome, but we are both assuming it is the right info because no one is correcting me.

Dave

 

Derrick Scofield

8 Years Ago

I feel silly for not being able to figure this out but how do you share your FAA work in groups?

 

Louise Reeves

8 Years Ago

In order to have your work seen after establishing a fan page, you have to join groups relevant to your type of work and, if there are local town pages, join those. A photographer won't sell on a photography page, but might on an astronomy page if you do Milky Way shots or a mom's page if you draw or photograph baby related things. Find pages that relate to what you do. Don't saturate them, however, or you might find yourself locked out. Read their descriptions carefully, post maybe once every week or less.

 

Derrick Scofield

8 Years Ago

Louise,

Thank you for the information. Even though I've been on FB a while I've never used it for business till now and it's definitely a learning experience.

 

Joseph C Hinson

8 Years Ago

When you join groups, read the rules. Some specifically state no posts of a commercial nature.

 

Floyd Snyder

8 Years Ago

I have never had any problem whatsoever with posting in groups that say no commercial posts. I simply do not post commercial posts. This is where learning the art of advertising comes in and knowing the difference between the hard sale and soft sale and the subliminal sale and more importantly, knowing when to apply them.

Here is a link to the latest gallery I am going to "advertising” on FB and Twitter. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1612519635697213.1073741882.100008175755981&type=1&l=816024130f

Notice that there is call to action in what is actually going to be posted and first seen. There is no sales pitch. The is nothing of that nature until the viewer clicks on the image and then clicks on the link that takes them to eBay, in this case.

I never post a in a group until I have watched the group for a few days to see what others are posting. If I have an doubt that my posts will not be a good fit from what I see, but I what to be there anyway, I will contact the administrator with a link to what I want to post and have posted in the past. I have only rarely been denied access to the group.

In addition to FB, and how much golf I want to play over the next week or so, I will also tweet each one of the images in the album directly to Twitter. I mention directly because I never rely on the FAA or eBay Twitter/FB posting links.

I hope this helps those of you that have joined one of the groups and are joining other groups as well. You don’t have to rely on others sharing your posts, that is just gravy if they do.

And don’t make the same mistake that I made in the first few months I stated experimenting with this process. Don’t just join art groups. Join groups with a theme of the artwork you sell. And here’s another tip: Garage Sales. One of the largest sales I ever made on Facebook came from a comment posted in a garage sale group asking me how much the print was. With an hour or so I had here money in the back via a credit card payment.

I know, some will tell you don’t want you art associates with a garage sale. That’s crazy. Some of the richest people I know are nuts for garage sales. When I had the three gallery/frame shops I had dozens of rich women come in carrying something they bought at a garage sale nearly every month and paid a ton of money to have it reframed. Don’t try to second guess your buyers.

 

David Bridburg

8 Years Ago

Louise,

I too want to thank you. I am slowly getting it.

My FB membership is now broadening out.

By joining the FAA group I am gaining new followers to my regular page.

Also the 17% reach figure has one problem with that stat. If I post an art image
to a group, that is not seen by my followers, but only in the group. And if I post to
some folks with comments that might not be seen by other followers in other circles.
That is in fact normal, but plays a role in how that 17% FB throttling works. Not everything
should be seen by all and how could it?

Dave

 

This discussion is closed.